When to Plant Garlic UK

In the UK, garlic is usually planted in autumn, from October to early December. This allows the bulbs to establish roots before winter and benefit from the cold spell, which helps form larger cloves. However, spring planting is also possible between January and March using certain varieties. Autumn planting generally produces larger, more robust bulbs, while spring garlic often results in smaller harvests but still with good flavour.

Softneck Varieties

Softneck garlic is typically planted in autumn and is well-suited to milder regions of the UK. It stores longer than hardneck types and tends to produce more cloves per bulb. Popular softneck varieties include ‘Provence Wight’ and ‘Solent Wight’. These types rarely flower, focusing their energy on developing bulbs, which makes them ideal for long-term storage and culinary use.

Hardneck Varieties

Hardneck garlic is hardier and more suitable for colder climates. It produces fewer, larger cloves and develops a flowering stalk called a scape, which can be harvested and eaten. While it doesn’t store as long as softneck varieties, many gardeners prefer it for its stronger, more complex flavour. ‘Lautrec Wight’ and ‘Carcassonne Wight’ are well-known hardneck types that grow well in UK conditions when planted in autumn.

Growing Garlic

Garlic needs a sunny position and free-draining soil. Heavy or waterlogged ground can cause bulbs to rot, so raised beds or improving the soil with grit or organic matter helps. Garlic prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, so adding lime may be necessary in acidic soils. Good air circulation and weed control are important throughout the growing season.

How to Plant Garlic

Separate the bulb into individual cloves just before planting, keeping the papery skin intact. Plant cloves about 2.5cm deep with the pointed end facing up, spaced around 15cm apart in rows 30cm apart. Avoid planting too shallow or too deep, as both can lead to poor development. Water well after planting if the soil is dry, and mulch lightly to protect from frost and weeds.

Growing Garlic Issues with Birds and Other Animals

Birds, especially pigeons, sometimes pull newly planted cloves from the soil. Covering rows with netting or fleece after planting helps prevent this. Squirrels may also dig up garlic in autumn, mistaking it for food. Once established, garlic is rarely eaten by pests due to its strong smell, but early protection is important. Slugs and snails can be an issue in very wet conditions, particularly with young shoots.

Harvesting and Storing Garlic

Garlic is usually ready to harvest from June to August, depending on when it was planted and the weather conditions. Leaves start to yellow and flop over when the bulbs are mature. Carefully lift them with a fork, avoiding bruising or damage. Cure the bulbs by drying them in a well-ventilated, dry space for a few weeks before trimming and storing. Store garlic in a cool, dry place with good airflow; softneck types can be plaited and hung.

Buying Garlic

Buy certified seed garlic from reputable suppliers rather than using garlic from shops. Seed garlic is disease-free and specifically bred for growing in UK conditions. Varieties are labelled as softneck or hardneck, with details on ideal planting times and harvest periods. Buying early in autumn ensures a better choice of varieties and quality.

Can You Plant Supermarket Garlic?

It’s possible but not recommended. Supermarket garlic may be treated to prevent sprouting, reducing germination rates. It may also carry diseases that can infect your soil and future crops. Additionally, many shop-bought garlic varieties are grown in warmer climates and may not perform well in UK conditions. For reliability, stick to certified garlic sets intended for growing.

How to Grow Garlic in a Container

Garlic grows well in containers if given enough depth and drainage. Use a pot at least 20cm deep, filled with free-draining compost mixed with grit. Plant cloves about 10–15cm apart, just as you would in open soil. Keep the pot in a sunny spot and water when dry. Container garlic may dry out faster, so regular checking is important. Feeding with a balanced liquid fertiliser in spring boosts growth.

How to Care for Garlic

Garlic requires little maintenance once established. Water during dry spells, especially in spring when bulbs begin to swell. Avoid overwatering, particularly later in the season. Keep the bed weed-free and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Remove any flower stalks from hardneck types unless you plan to eat the scapes. Stop watering a few weeks before harvest to allow bulbs to dry in the ground.

Garlic Varieties to Grow

For softneck types, ‘Solent Wight’, ‘Early Purple Wight’, and ‘Albigensian Wight’ are dependable choices. For hardneck garlic, ‘Lautrec Wight’, ‘Red Duke’, and ‘Carcassonne Wight’ are robust and flavourful. Different varieties offer different levels of heat, depth of flavour and storage life. Planting more than one type can extend harvest time and offer variety in the kitchen.

How to Prepare and Use Garlic

Garlic is ready to use once cured, with its skin dry and papery. It can be crushed, chopped, roasted, or used whole depending on the dish. Hardneckscapes can also be cooked or pickled. Garlic can be preserved by freezing peeled cloves, storing in oil (with care to avoid botulism), or drying into garlic powder. Its versatility makes it a staple in both everyday and seasonal cooking.

Cold Exposure is Key

Garlic benefits from a period of cold weather after planting. This process, called vernalisation, triggers the bulb to split into multiple cloves. Without this chill period — ideally six to eight weeks below 10°C — you might end up with a single large clove instead of a proper bulb. That’s why autumn planting is generally more reliable in the UK. Spring planting can work, but results are often less uniform and bulbs smaller.

Soil Conditions Matter More Than the Calendar

While October to December is the general planting window, it's better to judge by the soil than the date. Plant garlic when the soil is still workable and not waterlogged. Heavy clay soils hold too much moisture in autumn, which can rot the cloves. In those cases, raised beds or waiting a little longer may be better than planting into soggy ground just to meet a date.

Spacing for Airflow and Bulb Size

Most beginner gardeners space garlic cloves too closely. Giving them at least 15cm between each clove in rows spaced 25–30cm apart improves airflow, reduces disease risk and gives bulbs enough space to reach full size. This makes a noticeable difference at harvest.

Autumn vs. Spring Garlic Varieties

Some garlic varieties are bred specifically for autumn planting, while others are better suited for spring. Trying to plant an autumn-only variety in spring can result in weak growth. Spring garlic varieties are selected to perform without the full cold period, so it’s important to choose the right type for the time of year.

Regional Timing Differences

If you’re gardening in southern England, you may be able to plant garlic later into December. In colder northern areas or higher altitudes, it's often best to get cloves in the ground by early November to give them time to root before winter hits hard. If in doubt, planting earlier is usually better — as long as soil conditions are good.

Don’t Rush Spring Planting

If you're going for a spring crop, don’t plant too early into cold, wet soil. Wait until mid to late February or even March, when the soil is more workable. Garlic planted into cold, compacted ground won’t grow well and is more prone to rotting.

Mulching Helps Over Winter

A thin layer of mulch after planting in autumn helps regulate soil temperature and prevents heavy rain from compacting the soil. It also helps suppress weeds without smothering young shoots. Just avoid a mulch that’s too thick or wet, which can trap moisture against the cloves.

If you're planning to offer more content, this could easily be spun off into companion articles like:

• “Garlic Growing Mistakes to Avoid in the UK”

• “Autumn vs. Spring Garlic: Which is Better for You?”

• “How Cold Does It Need to Be for Garlic to Split Properly?”